[dejongj]

Originally Posted by Drd

Fantastic vehicles,but have you seen the quality of their plastics!

is that the Subaru's ?

[Drd]

Yes.I'm sorry,but you had replied while I was typing so I deleted the post,but you can obviously type faster than me 'cause you then replied to my deleted post.Confused or what?Anyway,if you're looking at £40,000 vehicles you're going to find the finish of Subarus somewhat depressing.Yes they have outstanding performance,yes they have astounding grip and roadholding,yes they are just about the most reliable cars on the road,but black bin bags are also impressive given the right circumstances!!!
I don't think you could live with one ( a Subaru that is)!

My wife runs an RR Sport, you got short legs and a long body? seriously??

I'm the same height as you and I can sit it the back and can get comfortable with the headrest adjusted.

We have two toddlers in isofix seats and have three buggies, one double side by side buggy and two singles, no problems!

Also the width of the sport is quoted as 1221mm, your buggy shows as 1100mm on mothercare.com, so not sure.

Get yourself a dog guard and you can put the buggy on top last in so when you go on a trip you can easily get it, we took ours to France, with the mother in law in the back as well as the two monkeys and had two strollers so we could take them around the ferry and had no problems getting the buggies in or out and we had luggage for five on board.

Small point but the rr sport is about 5 inches lower than the real range rover. It is also below 1.83 metres meaning you can go on the small car bit on Eurotunnel and the normal car bit on car ferries.

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by Bluehorse

My wife runs an RR Sport, you got short legs and a long body? seriously??

I'm the same height as you and I can sit it the back and can get comfortable with the headrest adjusted.

Sure I can sit in it, but that is about it (no spikey hair allowed! not that I have any but that is not the point). My father is 6ft3 and my father in law is 6ft7, neither could even contemplate going in the back which is for a car of that size just ridiculous. And yes I have short legs and long body...

Originally Posted by Bluehorse

We have two toddlers in isofix seats and have three buggies, one double side by side buggy and two singles, no problems!

Also the width of the sport is quoted as 1221mm, your buggy shows as 1100mm on mothercare.com, so not sure.

Well we tried to put it in the showroom and it would not go any other way that diagonal. Potentially to do with the handle bars and Mothercare quoting it in its shortest setting for which you need long arms and are left with no skin on your thumbs and fingers to adjust them. Sales person put up this face of disbelieve, and then showed it wouldn't go beyond the seats of the third row in a discovery either....Only car it went it was the bottom of the range Freelander. Did not bother trying the range rover as we have no intention to buy that. I think the RR Sport is much better proportioned looks wise.
Get yourself a dog guard and you can put the buggy on top last in so when you go on a trip you can easily get it, we took ours to France, with the mother in law in the back as well as the two monkeys and had two strollers so we could take them around the ferry and had no problems getting the buggies in or out and we had luggage for five on board.

Originally Posted by Bluehorse

Small point but the rr sport is about 5 inches lower than the real range rover. It is also below 1.83 metres meaning you can go on the small car bit on Eurotunnel and the normal car bit on car ferries.

that is a good point indeed, it is still scary to drive in though....Our Patrol was 1.85 and we were allowed in the car bit, there really is no room to spare and you don't want to hit those little curbs on eurotunnel, you know near the toilets....

Oh see what you mean about room in the back with the big people in your family, the lower height gives the sport it's looks but won't work with those blokes in the back at all.

You should be able to get a blinding deal on the V70 or XC70, they're not selling in huge numbers and there is money from Volvo that dealers can get you.

Tell the dealer you want the car before the end of the quarter and ask what incentives they have. Think they have 12% discount and 3.9% apr finance plus maybe free options. Also do some great lease deals as you appear to be running a small business.

[Solomon Grundy]

The Quinny does come with a foot cover for winter, I just bought one off t'internet for £40. here it is folded upjust to give you an idea of how small it is...

Please think again about the Subaru Tribeca because they are dreadful looking, thirsty and plasticky...how does the Allroad Audi compare to the A6? Is it pretty much the same?

[inkinoo]

If you aren't set on a 4x4, then go for the BMW 535d Touring M-Sport. Beautiful. Otherwise I can recommend the Touareg and the A6 Allroad

[dejongj]

the TriBeCa was never an option. It is too much the same like our murano or lexus rx. The interior is just so like my first Sony equipment.

I will take a look at the legacy tourer and outback.

Yes audi allroad is same interior wise to normal a6. I prefer the look of it and the suspension is great as well. Unfortunately I dont think we can live with the rear legroom. Not enough for an adult nor for a cooler box with food.

[Solomon Grundy]

what about the Chrysler 300C? Or a CLS Merc?

[Joe Fernand]

Hello dejongj

Similar problem to you - though throw into the mix that I need to lug the odd 50" Display (or three) plus lots of other kit around when the 'big car' is being used for work.

I currently run a Honda Shuttle 2.3ES (six seat version) - its got 170K on the clock and had a pretty hard work life; on top of lots of family trips fully loaded with three kids, bikes and all the rest of the trappings; a big roof box is a must for holidays.

Honda UK don't bring in the current models so I'm looking to Import one from the US (http://automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/) or Japan (http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/ or http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSIONPRESTIGE/)

Joe

[Solomon Grundy]

Originally Posted by Joe Fernand

Hello dejongj

Similar problem to you - though throw into the mix that I need to lug the odd 50" Display (or three) plus lots of other kit around when the 'big car' is being used for work.

I currently run a Honda Shuttle 2.3ES (six seat version) - its got 170K on the clock and had a pretty hard work life; on top of lots of family trips fully loaded with three kids, bikes and all the rest of the trappings; a big roof box is a must for holidays.

Honda UK don't bring in the current models so I'm looking to Import one from the US (http://automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/) or Japan (http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/ or http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSIONPRESTIGE/)

Joe

Wouldn't you be better off with one of those pickup types such as the Navarra or Warrior?

Actually, did you think of the Land Rover Defenders with the crew cabs? Tons of space in those!

[danaldinho7]

like 2 years ago my Dad saw a Navara the one that doe't look like a pick uptruck, think it's just an optional cover and decided to replace his X5 for one...he didn't have it for long - about 2 weeks, depsite how cool they look the ride is terrible and the bumps would probably kill a plasma or lcd...or baby

what about a second hand GL could get a 320CDI with all the kit you're after could get a 12/18month old one

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Decadence

Had a look at that option - way too uncomfortable when in family mode and very 'small' in terms of room within the cabin area.

Joe

[hornydragon]

the crewcabs have smaller load spaces than your average Family estate/MPV They are quite low tech options (most arent even coil spuing at the rear) not ideal for sensitive equipment. Last time i was in an outback the quality seemed good finish was nice and 3.0l really pulled down some country lanes, i saw a new legacy tourer the other day and it was very very smart (from the outside)

[Solomon Grundy]

Bah I give up...you buy a 300C (maybe the estate) and the other guy buy a Land Cruiser Amazon or something...

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by inkinoo

If you aren't set on a 4x4, then go for the BMW 535d Touring M-Sport. Beautiful.

Yes I do like that a lot, but must admit that I never checkout out the back seat although if it is like the previous 5 series it should be ok....

Originally Posted by Decadence

what about the Chrysler 300C? Or a CLS Merc?

Like both looks wise, worried about depreciation on the 300C though...

Originally Posted by Decadence

Bah I give up...you buy a 300C (maybe the estate) and the other guy buy a Land Cruiser Amazon or something...

LOL Yes we need to check out a few more, I think the point has been dragged out a bit....My conclusion so far is that although the middle end of the market looks very nice and has desireable image and quality feel...They just aren't as useful as the bottom end (from my perspective ) like the Focus, Mondeo, Vectra, Passat, etc....

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by Joe Fernand

Hello dejongj

Similar problem to you - though throw into the mix that I need to lug the odd 50" Display (or three) plus lots of other kit around when the 'big car' is being used for work.

I currently run a Honda Shuttle 2.3ES (six seat version) - its got 170K on the clock and had a pretty hard work life; on top of lots of family trips fully loaded with three kids, bikes and all the rest of the trappings; a big roof box is a must for holidays.

Honda UK don't bring in the current models so I'm looking to Import one from the US (http://automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/) or Japan (http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSION/ or http://www.honda.co.jp/ELYSIONPRESTIGE/)

Joe

The newer model looks interesting, though a little bit too van like for my taste but that seems to be the new styling, I mean look at the new 2008 Grand Voyager....

Your post reminded me, I bought a plasma for my in-laws to transport it upright....Just slid it into the boot of our Murano, yes seats had to fold, but upright it went in...The guys were well impressed, and the chap in the Q7 next to me was annoyed as the same model did not fit upright in his boot!

I would not recommend any of the pickup models to transport equipment like that....They are so much more utilitarian suspension wise.....

[Pezerinno]

Originally Posted by dejongj

Yes I do like that a lot, but must admit that I never checkout out the back seat although if it is like the previous 5 series it should be ok....

I'm pretty sure an e-class estate is a fair bit roomier than a 5 series touring.

[hornydragon]

TOp gear treasted the E63 AMG against the M5 tourer last week or the week before worth checking out clarkson got almost as much cheese in the E63 as a Range rover (Full size) but cheese aint a buggy......

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by Nick25

I'm pretty sure an e-class estate is a fair bit roomier than a 5 series touring.

Originally Posted by hornydragon

TOp gear treasted the E63 AMG against the M5 tourer last week or the week before worth checking out clarkson got almost as much cheese in the E63 as a Range rover (Full size) but cheese aint a buggy......

Yes I will check it out, the AMG is unfortunately out of our budget and I have never been that impressed by the driveability of Mercs, nothing wrong but bordering on boring like with lexus...But hey compromises are there to be made and I have got a BMW already....

[itsamac]

How about these? Seat 7, 4wd, though only available by import from Asia. First one is the Toyota Alphard and the second is a Nissan. The Toyota is an ultra low emission vehicle returning 42mpg and there is even a hybrid version.

Nissan ElGrand

In Hong Kong presently (2007), 2 models are offered, the Elgrand XL and the Elgrand Highway Star which is an eight passenger variant. The Elgrand is packed with options including the AFS (Active Front Lighting System) that can also be found in the third generation Toyota Previa/Estima.The Elgrand comes in 6 different colors and is equipped with twin sunroofs and Xenon headlamps with the Auto on-off system. The base price of both the Elgrand XL and the highway star are the same at $486800 Hong Kong Dollars.
The Exterior of the Elgrand has changed a lot since its predecessor, it is now equipped with remote controlled electronic doors, side mirrors with signal lights, a rear roof spoiler, and 16 (XL) or 17 (HWS) inch Aluminium Alloy rims. The new front styling ( including new chrome front grill) gives the Elgrand an enhanced sporty look that will prove its name on the highway.
The Interior is full of luxuries that will keep the user busy, with captain seats, a nine speaker Bose sound system, a DVD player with a nine inch screen etc. The Elgrand is also equipped inside with an eight inch LCD monitor at the front near the dashboard that provides Vehicle Information and is part of the Vehicle information system or also known as VIS. Both versions also come with a heated drivers seat and a heated front passenger's seat as well. Electronic curtains can also be found on the Elgrand along with a perfectly made Black genuine wood -grained Leather steering wheel.

Like most of the newer models Nissan makes, the Elgrand comes with the Keyless-go feature. This enhances convenience for the user. An Optional GPS system for the Hong Kong and China Guandong province can be installed into the 8 inch LCD screen that provides vehicle information.
The Elgrand uses a V6 3.5 liter VQ35DE engine from Nissan's VQ engine series combined with a five speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting. It uses Multi link rear suspension along with a four-wheel ventilated disc brakes as the braking system.

[itsamac]

As for the foot muff for the Quinny Zapp, it is the same one as the Quinny Buzz. Babies R Us sell it for about £40.

[dave87]

I don't know if I'm too late to add in my 2pence worth, but here goes.

Seriously look at the V70. Yes, they are square, but boy, are they good if you go for the right one. Diesel (185bhp) is absolutely fantastic, and if you go for the SE Sport (not the special edition sport) then you get a decent amount of kit. Dad got one for Mum (very last of the old shape) and it was £32k with extras, but not sat nav or in car entertainment. Stuff like heated seats, head lamp washers, decent audio etc.

I actually test drove it, and whilst it was a big car, it doesn't feel imposing or huge. Suprisingly grunty too, with reasonably decent fuel economy. If you want the grunt and to spend your full budget, the T5 may be one to look at, or V70R when it arrives.

Jus an opinion anyway...

[SeanT]

Originally Posted by dejongj

I am really disappointed by all those big cars in how small they actually are. If we weren't snobs against the Ford Mondeo that would be a much more sensible choice compared to some of the big brands....

I can get 4 adults, a baby, a pushchair and a wheelchair in mine no problem - and it's smaller than either of the two newer models that have succeeded it - how about a Jaguar X type (aka a Ford Mondeo with a Jaguar badge and nicer interior) if you don't mind the fuel consumption - also available in 4x4... I'd suggest an ST220, but you're not gonna go for it, even if it is only 12 grand.....

[SeanT]

Was just pricing up the Jag 3.0 AWD estate, fully loaded is about 32 grand

[dejongj]

Actually we put some snobbish behaviour aside and did go to Ford yesterday. Both the mondeo and s-max are great space wise and to drive...But they are just no contendors, with the options on it that we want we end up near the £30k mark which is just way too much for those cars and we never gonna get that back...So we well be loosing £12k driving it away and then the normal depreciation kicks in...Just plain daft and relatively too expensive...

But very practical and spacious, granted....

[danaldinho7]

could wait for the BMW PAS?

[chriszzzzzz]

Have a look at the new Mazda 6. Think you will find it better than the Mondeo and not as much for the options. The wagon version looks stunning as well...

[dejongj]

Just to show how irrational people can be! I ordered today a Jaguar XF with a few extra's...No idea on how big it is as we have never seen one in real life A bit like when we bought the Murano that it will replace, not test driven or anything....

Hope we like it, the reviews are all very good Waiting list means won't be here until April time.....

Might have to buy a Quinny though Already have the Atlantis 900 from Thule

[Daddy k]

you will love it!

i have had the pleasure of hearing them and seeing them for over a year, and parked up next to any german rival it looks amazing!
it also stood its ground parked next to a black maserati quattropole

hope you went for the B&W speakers,
oh and get it debadged, the fonts dont look right and clutter the rear end, ill take pics if it helps, im back at work monday (jaguar design and engineering centre)